NORWAY
MUST FULLY RESPECT RIGHTS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, says the
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Nils Muižnieks (ref.
2015/815)

Dear
Prime Minister/ Your Excellency,

I
am writing to express my concern regarding ongoing violations of
rights thatpeople
with disabilities in Norway. Following thevisitin
your country ofNils
Muižnieks, the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of
Europe, I understand that such violations are still common.

It
has been brought to my attention by the Mental Disability Advocacy
Center that thousands of people with disabilities are denied the
right to make decisions in their lives, even in such personal matters
as marriage, adoption, abortion, sterilization, medical treatment,
and the acquisition of a passport. Thousands of others are forcibly
detained, subjected to forced treatment, isolated and restrained.

I
have amended documentation that the reduction of coercion failed in
the time from 2000 to 2015 (2). 5 UN committees have criticized
Norway and suggested to respect human rights of persons with
psychososial disabilities (3).

This
situation is unacceptable for a country such as Norway, which has a
global reputation promoting and protecting human rights.